Matt Jesse

It is not uncommon to read a description of Aikido to the effect that it involves the use of circular movements to negate and dispel an attack. A more accurate statement, however, is that Aikido uses spiralling movements to negate and dispel an attack.

Generally speaking, movements that spiral upwards are used to take the balance of the uke (ie the partner receiving the technique). Downward spiralling movements ordinarily lead the uke into a fall.

Understanding spiralling movements in Aikido is essential if one is to proceed to higher levels of Aiki practice. In the below video Chicko Xerri Sensei (Aikikai 6th Dan) provides a brief introduction to, and demonstration of one of the many spiralling movements that form part of our Aiki studies.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Difference between Aiki and Aikido

At its most basic, Aiki refers to the ability to negate and redirect an attacker’s power without reliance on specific technique and with a distinct absence of muscular tension usually associated with physical effort.

In our school Aikido techniques are not an end in themselves, but rather a “way” to progress to the study and practice of Aiki. In essence we study to master form so that we can ultimately become formless in our practice.

Chicko Xerri Sensei

Our dojo is an Aikido Kenkyukai Fudoshin dojo operating under the guidance and mentorship of Chicko Xerri Sensei, 6th dan AKI (Aikikai), Tokyo. Chicko Sensei has been practising and teaching Aikido for more than 45 years and is endorsed by Doshu Ueshiba.

We’ve introduced a new tradition lately where seniors do a quick run through summary demo at the end of class of what we covered in the previous 2 hours. This Saturday it was informally recorded and makes a nice video momento of a typical class at our dojo.

In the below video Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors Matt Jesse and Jeremy Gehrke demonstrate and provide practice points on a variation of munetsuki kokyu nage. The video was recorded after class at our dojo on 24 July 2016.

The technique is practised in response to an attack where the uke grabs both shoulders of the nage, most typically under movement. In this particular variation of the technique the uke is projected back in the direction of their original attack.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Ukemi for ryokatadori kokyu nage

In the below video (also taken at our dojo), the nuances associated with receiving ukemi from the featured version of ryokatadori kokyu nage are explored.

Ryokatadori kokyu nage – traditional version

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional version of ryokatadori kokyu nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Ryokatatadori kokyu nage – Tenshin Aikido Federation

In the below video produced by the TenShin Aikido Federation, a detailed examination of ryokatatadori kokyu nage is given with particular focus on the martial aspects of the technique.

In 2003, Renshi Santos Shihan founded the TenShin Aikido Federation (TAF) in honor of O’Sensei and those who introduced TenShin Aikido into his life, including Steven Seagal Shihan. For some excellent videos on Tenshin Aikido check out their “Rogue Warrior” channel on You Tube.